Camp Griesheim

Camp Griesheim Christian Retreat Center began Dec. 28, 1974 when a group of about 60 Kogudus people met in the parish hall of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Emden. "Kogudus" is an Estonian word meaning "Christian fellowship." It is a part of a renewal movement of the church. They decided to go ahead with plans to lease, develop, and maintain Camp Griesheim, an old scout camp, as a Christian Retreat Center.

      At that meeting, it was decided to incorporate and form a non-profit, non-denominational organization called Camp Griesheim Christian Retreat Center, Inc., and to elect a 12-member board. Although Camp Griesheim is independent of Kogudus, it is a result of the Kogudus movement in this area.

     A charter was written. The purpose of Camp Griesheim as stated in the charter is: "to maintain and operate a Christian Retreat Center which would be available to churches and Christian groups for their use in holding retreats, conferences, and meetings to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to experience His love and have opportunity for Christian growth, renewal and fellowship, and to enjoy the pleasures of nature in a constructive Christian atmosphere."

      The open house and dedication service was held on June 1,1975. Since that time, Camp Griesheim has been rented almost every weekend of each year by churches and groups from all over Illinois.

      In July of 1979, the Board decided to construct a new chapel that accommodates up to 100 people for special worship times as an extra service to the groups who come to Camp Griesheim. It was dedicated on June 8, 1980.